Allegheny River Trail: Emlenton to Rockland
We departed our home in Warren PA at 7:30 am en route Emlenton PA and the Allegheny River Trail. We arrived on Main Street in Emlenton at 9:05 am. We followed signs to the Allegheny River Trail. Road signs pointed us onto the bike trail. Bob was hesitant to drive on the bike trail. I encouraged him to do so, and we came upon a parking area quickly. The Allegheny River Trail is 28.2 miles of flat, smooth, asphalt surface from Emlenton to Franklin. We chose to bicycle only a portion of the trail, from Emlenton to Rockland Tunnel and back.
The beginning of the trail is bordered by a white fence for a short time.
Soon the trail is between the Allegheny River and a wooded hillside.
Seen from the trail
Note the 1917 date on the tunnel.
Dotter Access Area
Dotter Access Area. There are beautiful views of the river along the trail. This is one such view.
Dotter Access Area seen from the trail
Rockland Tunnel
The 2,868-foot Rockland Tunnel is pitch black. Reflectors mark the trail edges and center. We had strong flashlights mounted on our bicycles. Bob rode through the tunnel; I didn’t. Almost as soon as I entered the tunnel, I began to feel claustrophobic. My arms and legs tensed up, and my balance felt off. I stopped and turned my bicycle around. As soon as I could see the light at the tunnel entrance, I began to feel better.
I walked inside Rockland Tunnel a little ways to get this picture.
Bob has returned from riding through Rockland Tunnel.
We stopped at this bench for a short rest, while on our way back to the Emlenton trail head.
We enjoyed this view, while sitting on the bench.
I took this picture facing away from the bench.
I rode 11.12 miles round trip. Bob rode a little more than me because he rode through the tunnel and back. It was 11:37 am, when we completed our ride.
It was an excellent day for a bicycle ride. It was overcast, and the temperature stayed in the upper 50s to lower 60s.
We plan to ride more of the Allegheny River Trail later this year.
The Beauty Around Us 
8 Responses to “Allegheny River Trail: Emlenton to Rockland”
This looks like a great bike trail. The scenery is certainly beautiful, and the tunnel is interesting. Thanks for sharing your ride with us.
Love the spring green and it makes the pictures fantastic!
Hello, it looks like a beautiful place for a bike ride. I love the scenery and river views. 6 miles, well done! Enjoy your day, have a great week ahead!
I love the views….this looks like a place we would love.
Hi There, I know I don’t have time to comment much anymore, but I always enjoy reading about your lives, your trips, etc…. I know now that you all have done some biking in the Niagara area –so can’t wait to see and hear more about that trip…
Keep Biking.. It’s great exercise.
I posted a blog post today.
Hugs,
Betsy
I read your posts, too, Betsy but don’t comment much. I do, at least, like your Facebook posts :). I do hope to blog about this past weekend’s adventures. So far, though, I haven’t copied pictures from camera to computer…..vertigo symptoms bothering me:(
Beautiful!! How far down the trail was the Dotter access area with the creek flowing through? Thank you!
The distance that we rode that day was 6 miles one way, from Emlenton to Rockland. It took us approximately 45 minutes to bicycle from Emlenton to the Dotter area, but we would have made frequent stops. I am guessing, when I say maybe half way between Emlenton and Rockland…about 3 miles?